Community Mourns Those Lost in DC Plane Crash; Victim Remembered for Dedication to Civil Rights

On Wednesday, a tragic event unfolded near Reagan National Airport when a midair collision occurred between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane. Among the casualties was the talented and loved Kiah Duggins, a professor at Howard University and a former Miss Kansas contestant. Duggins, 30, was known for her vibrant smile and spirited personality, leaving a profound impact on those around her.

 A Rising Star in Academia

In a statement from Howard University, President Ben Vinson III confirmed Kiah Duggins as one of the victims of the collision. He urged for privacy and respect for her family, students, and colleagues during this challenging period. Duggins was poised to embark on a new chapter as a professor at Howard University School of Law in the upcoming fall, a testament to her dedication and expertise.

Duggins was not only an accomplished academic but also a passionate civil rights attorney. She dedicated her career to fighting against unconstitutional policing and unjust money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. She worked with renowned organizations such as the ACLU of Northern California and Neufeld, Scheck and Brustin LLP, striving to challenge police misconduct and other inequalities within the legal system before joining the Civil Rights Corps, a non-profit based in Washington D.C. Duggins was also well-educated, having earned her law degree from Harvard Law School and her bachelor's degree from Wichita State University. Additionally, she completed a Fulbright grant in Taiwan, further showcasing her commitment to education and global awareness.

The Community's Grief

The impact of Duggins' untimely passing reverberated throughout the community and beyond. Larry Strong, her local pageant director during her Miss Kansas and Miss Butler County competitions, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of such a promising individual. He recalled her achievements as a top 10 finalist in the Miss Kansas Pageant in both 2014 and 2015, emphasizing her bright future ahead.

Pastor Annie Montgomery from Tabernacle Bible Church in Wichita remembered Duggins for her infectious smile and zest for life. She described her as an adventurous individual who easily made friends and possessed a captivating personality that endeared her to all. The general sentiment reflected Duggins as a radiant soul whose presence illuminated the lives of those around her.

Former Sedgwick County commissioner A   described Duggins as a courageous and beautiful advocate for civil rights, emphasizing the loss not just for her loved ones, but for everyone who believes in justice and equality. The resounding sentiment was clear: while her time on this earth was tragically cut short, her legacy and spirit would continue to inspire and create change.

The Wreckage

As emergency response personnel grappled with the aftermath of the collision, the wreckage of the American Airlines plane and the Army helicopter were revealed. The Potomac River site of the incident became a somber testament to the lives lost and the ordeal faced by the victims and their loved ones. The bodies of the victims were subsequently enlisted as part of the harrowing toll, with Duggins uniquely identified among them.

The exact cause of the midair collision remains shrouded in uncertainty, with investigations currently underway to ascertain the factors that led to this heartbreaking incident. The collision, which claimed the lives of Duggins and 66 others, has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved them.